ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Insect and mammal ovulation more alike than not? Posted: 19 Feb 2015 06:19 PM PST The average American woman lives more than 80 years and ovulates for 35 of them, producing an egg approximately once a month. The typical fruit fly lives about 4 weeks as an adult and ovulates every 30 minutes. Despite the vast differences, researchers have found that during a key process in ovulation, the same gene may govern both. The results could bring insight to cancer metastasis, human fertility and ovarian disease.

People with multiple sclerosis may have lower levels of key nutrients Posted: 19 Feb 2015 01:23 PM PST Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have lower levels of important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as folate from food and vitamin E, than healthy people, according to a new study.

Politics and economics affect 'Health in All Policies' Posted: 19 Feb 2015 01:05 PM PST Some governments have decided that health care is too important to leave to their health departments and have made health care a priority for all departments. The concept, called Health in All Policies, or HiAP, has gained traction in some governments but little research has gone into measuring its effectiveness.

New study could lead way for better assessment of treatment options for men with prostate cancer Posted: 19 Feb 2015 01:04 PM PST Radiation therapy is the most common treatment for men with prostate cancer regardless of the aggressiveness of the tumor, risk to the patient and overall patient prognosis, researchers have found. These findings lay the groundwork for improved treatment assessment by physicians and to better inform men fighting the disease.

Sunlight continues to damage skin in the dark Posted: 19 Feb 2015 11:46 AM PST Much of the damage that ultraviolet radiation does to skin occurs hours after sun exposure, a team of researchers has concluded. While noting that news of the carcinogenic effect of melanin is disconcerting, the researchers also pointed to a ray of hope: The slowness of chemiexcitation may allow time for new preventive tools, such as an "evening-after" sunscreen designed to block the energy transfer.

New ALS gene, signaling pathways identified Posted: 19 Feb 2015 11:46 AM PST Using advanced DNA sequencing methods, researchers have identified a new gene that is associated with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease.

New nanogel for drug delivery Posted: 19 Feb 2015 11:13 AM PST Chemical engineers have designed a new type of self-healing hydrogel that could be injected through a syringe. Scientists are interested in using gels to deliver drugs because they can be molded into specific shapes and designed to release their payload over a specified time period.

New brain mapping reveals unknown cell types Posted: 19 Feb 2015 11:13 AM PST Using a process known as single cell sequencing, scientists have produced a detailed map of cortical cell types and the genes active within them. The study marks the first time this method of analysis has been used on such a large scale on such complex tissue. The team studied over three thousand cells, one at a time, and even managed to identify a number of hitherto unknown types.

Innovative transfusion approach has potential save to lives, experts say Posted: 19 Feb 2015 10:31 AM PST A new nationwide, multi-site study in the United States may help save hundreds of lives among trauma patients with major bleeding. The study compared two different methods of blood transfusion, and found that one approach gave patients a significantly better chance of survival within the first 24 hours.

Sensor technology may help improve accuracy of clinical breast exams Posted: 19 Feb 2015 10:31 AM PST Sensor technology has the potential to significantly improve the teaching of proper technique for clinical breast exams, according to a new study. "Variations in palpable force used during a CBE cannot be reliably measured by human observation alone," a researcher says. "Our findings revealed that 15 percent of the physicians we tested were using a technique that put them at significant risk of missing deep tissue lesions near the chest wall. This research underscores the potential for sensor technology to be used not only to improve clinical performance, but to also allow for objective evidence-based training, assessment and credentialing."

Jumping genes have essential biological functions Posted: 19 Feb 2015 10:31 AM PST 'Alu' sequences are small repetitive elements representing about 10 percent of our genome. Because of their ability to move around the genome, these 'jumping genes' are considered as real motors of evolution. However, they were considered for a long time as 'junk' DNA, because, although they are transcribed into RNA, they encode no proteins and do not seem to participate actively in the cell's functions.

Precision medicine to prevent diabetes? Researchers develop personalized way to steer prevention efforts Posted: 19 Feb 2015 10:30 AM PST Researchers have just released a “precision medicine” approach to diabetes prevention that could keep more people from joining the ranks of the 29 million Americans with diabetes – using existing information like blood sugar levels and waist-to-hip ratios, and without needing new genetic tests.

Breast cancer spread may be tied to cells that regulate blood flow Posted: 19 Feb 2015 10:30 AM PST Tumors require blood to emerge and spread. That is why scientists believe that targeting blood vessel cells known as pericytes may offer a potential new therapeutic approach when combined with vascular growth factors responsible for cell death.

Proteins pull together as cells divide Posted: 19 Feb 2015 10:30 AM PST Like a surgeon separating conjoined twins, cells have to be careful to get everything just right when they divide in two. Otherwise, the resulting daughter cells could be hobbled, particularly if they end up with too many or two few chromosomes. Successful cell division hangs on the formation of a dip called a cleavage furrow, a process that has remained mysterious. Now, researchers have found that no single molecular architect directs the cleavage furrow’s formation; rather, it is a robust structure made of a suite of team players.

Severe asthma: Gallopamil confirmed as a therapeutic approach Posted: 19 Feb 2015 08:58 AM PST The clinical efficacy of gallopamil in 31 patients with severe asthma has been demonstrated through a new study. This chronic disease is characterized by remodeling of the bronchi, which exacerbates the obstruction of the airways already seen in 'classic' asthma. In contrast to the reference treatment, gallopamil has proved capable of reducing the bronchial smooth muscle mass.

Possible regulation of cigarettes not likely to significantly change US illicit tobacco market Posted: 19 Feb 2015 08:57 AM PST Although there is insufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions about how the US illicit tobacco market would respond to any new regulations that modify cigarettes -- for example, by lowering nicotine content -- limited evidence suggests that demand for illicit versions of conventional cigarettes would be modest, says a new report.

Researchers wind up a 40 year old debate on betaretrovirus infection in humans Posted: 19 Feb 2015 08:57 AM PST New light has been shed on primary biliary cirrhosis, a rare liver disease that affects up to one in 500 middle aged women. In a study, researchers demonstrate that patients with the disease are infected with human betaretrovirus -- a virus resembling a mouse mammary tumor virus.

Role of hydrogen sulfide in regulating blood pressure studied Posted: 19 Feb 2015 08:57 AM PST Widely considered simply a malodorous toxic gas, hydrogen sulfide is now being studied for its probable role in regulating blood pressure, according to researchers.

Statins may not lower Parkinson's risk, experts say Posted: 19 Feb 2015 08:57 AM PST The use of statins may not be associated with lowering risk for Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. The findings cast doubts on reports suggesting that the cholesterol-lowering medications may protect against this neurodegenerative brain disorder.

Drugs are effective for diabetic macular edema new trial shows Posted: 19 Feb 2015 08:56 AM PST In the first clinical trial directly comparing three drugs most commonly used to treat diabetic macular edema, researchers found all were effective in improving vision and preventing vision loss. However, one drug, aflibercept, provided greater improvement for people with more severe vision loss when treatment was initiated.

New scoring system helps predict risk of chronic pain after surgery Posted: 19 Feb 2015 08:24 AM PST There are many variables that contribute to a patient’s risk of chronic pain after surgery; however, until recently, physicians had no way to systematically identify those variables prior to surgery.

Neurologist finds link between virus causing chicken pox and giant cell arteritis Posted: 19 Feb 2015 07:17 AM PST A new study links the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles to a condition that inflames blood vessels on the temples and scalp in the elderly, called giant cell arteritis. "Our analysis, which is the largest to-date, provides compelling evidence that the virus also reactivates in people over 60 in another way, triggering giant cell arteritis," said the lead author.

Clearing up Europe's air pollution hotspots Posted: 19 Feb 2015 07:16 AM PST Europe cannot achieve the WHO air quality guidelines without strictly controlling emissions from coal and wood burning for home heating, road traffic, and other sources such as industrial-scale factory farming, according to new research.

Lab tests, ultrasounds identify children who need surgical treatment for appendicitis Posted: 19 Feb 2015 07:16 AM PST Data from two standard diagnostic tests commonly obtained in children evaluated for abdominal pain -- when combined -- can improve the ability of emergency department physicians and pediatric surgeons to identify those patients who should be sent to the operating room for prompt removal of an inflamed appendix; those who may be admitted for observation; and those who may safely be discharged home, according to a new study.

New test to predict effectiveness of cancer vaccines Posted: 19 Feb 2015 07:16 AM PST Many therapeutic cancer vaccines that are currently being developed are designed to direct the immune system against altered cancer-cell proteins. However, these vaccines can only be effective if the tumor cells present the altered protein to the immune system in a perfectly matching shape. Scientists have now described a test to predict whether this prerequisite for effective tumor vaccination is fulfilled.

Risk of unexpected sarcoma being discovered after hysterectomy appears fairly low Posted: 19 Feb 2015 07:16 AM PST Uterine sarcoma -- a potentially aggressive type of cancer that forms in tissues in the uterus -- was found in 0.22 % of women following a hysterectomy for benign conditions, a new large-scale study shows. Authors say findings may have implications for the risks associated with morcellation.

Neck pain can be changed through altered visual feedback Posted: 19 Feb 2015 07:16 AM PST Using virtual reality to misrepresent how far the neck is turned can actually change pain experiences in individuals who suffer from chronic neck pain, according to research.

Stem cell specialization observed in the brain Posted: 19 Feb 2015 07:15 AM PST Adult stem cells are flexible and can transform themselves into a wide variety of special cell types. Because they are harvested from adult organisms, there are no ethical objections to their use, and they therefore open up major possibilities in biomedicine. For instance, adult stem cells enable the stabilization or even regeneration of damaged tissue. Neural stem cells form a reservoir for nerve cells. Researchers hope to use them to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Flame retardants found to cause metabolic, liver problems, animal study shows Posted: 19 Feb 2015 07:13 AM PST Chemicals used as synthetic flame retardants that are found in common household items such as couches, carpet padding, and electronics have been found to cause metabolic and liver problems that can lead to insulin resistance, which is a major cause of obesity, according to new research.

Sickness and health between men and women Posted: 19 Feb 2015 06:03 AM PST Gender and personality matter in how people cope with physical and mental illness, according to a new paper. Men are less affected by a single-symptom illness than women, but are more affected when more than one symptom is present. The number of symptoms doesn't change how women are affected, according to the authors.

More women now using compounded hormones without understanding the risks Posted: 19 Feb 2015 06:03 AM PST From 28 percent to 68 percent of women using hormones at menopause take compounded, so-called 'bioidentical' hormones, but women don't understand the risks of these unapproved, untested treatments, shows an analysis of two large surveys.

Cancer risk linked to DNA 'wormholes' Posted: 19 Feb 2015 06:03 AM PST Single-letter genetic variations within parts of the genome once dismissed as 'junk DNA' can increase cancer risk through wormhole-like effects on far-off genes, new research shows. Researchers found that DNA sequences within 'gene deserts' -- so called because they are completely devoid of genes -- can regulate gene activity elsewhere by forming DNA loops across relatively large distances.

Theories about endocytosis called into question Posted: 19 Feb 2015 06:03 AM PST There is no unequivocal explanation behind endocytosis. Two hypotheses prevail for explaining how the wall caves in and forms transport vesicles. One recently completed study reconciles the two theories, suggesting a balance between forces present.

25 percent of children who are homeless need mental health services Posted: 19 Feb 2015 06:03 AM PST 25 percent of children who are homeless are in need of mental health services, a pilot study that took place in North Carolina, USA, has found. The study highlights the need for more screening and support for the millions of homeless children in the United States.

New test could significantly reduce burden on UK hospitals Posted: 19 Feb 2015 05:58 AM PST A new test that rules out heart attacks in patients could reduce hospital admissions by as much as 40%, for patients with chest pain, according to research.

Combination of imaging methods improves diagnostics Posted: 19 Feb 2015 05:58 AM PST A breakthrough for the further development of contrast agents has been made by researchers, with the promise of improved diagnostics with imaging using MRI procedures.

Anti-inflammatory drug counters obesity in mice Posted: 19 Feb 2015 05:58 AM PST Obesity represents a global health problem with limited options available for its prevention or treatment. The finding that a key regulator of energy expenditure and body weight is controlled by a drug-targeted inflammatory enzyme opens new possibilities for pharmacologically modulating body weight, conclude researchers.

Exposure to low levels of common chemical (phthalates) shown to possibly affect reproductive health of male newborns Posted: 19 Feb 2015 05:49 AM PST Male infants whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy to chemicals called phthalates may have a greater risk of future infertility.

Link between sleep loss, diabetes explained Posted: 19 Feb 2015 05:49 AM PST Lack of sleep can elevate levels of free fatty acids in the blood, accompanied by temporary pre-diabetic conditions in healthy young men. Getting enough sleep could help counteract the current epidemics of diabetes and obesity, scientists say.

New clues to causes of birth defects in children from older mothers Posted: 19 Feb 2015 05:49 AM PST A possible clue has been found to why older mothers face a higher risk for having babies born with conditions such as Down syndrome that are characterized by abnormal chromosome numbers.

Making a mark on mitochondria Posted: 19 Feb 2015 05:44 AM PST A fluorescent probe for labeling mitochondria helps scientists study fat-burning brown adipose tissue.

Licorice extract protects the skin from UV-induced stress Posted: 18 Feb 2015 04:19 PM PST New research introduces a new plant-derived agent which protects skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet irradiation.

Needle-free vaccination: How scientists ask skin cells for help Posted: 18 Feb 2015 04:19 PM PST New research introduces a new approach to stimulate the skin immune response by applying needle-free vaccination.

New HPV vaccine offers greater protection against cervical cancer than current vaccine Posted: 18 Feb 2015 04:18 PM PST Scientists have developed a new HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine which protects against nine types of the virus -- seven of which cause most cases of cervical cancer. The new vaccine offers significantly greater protection than the current vaccine, which protects against only two cancer causing types of HPV.

Popular soda ingredient, caramel color, poses cancer risk to consumers Posted: 18 Feb 2015 04:16 PM PST Public health researchers have analyzed soda consumption data in order to characterize people's exposure to a potentially carcinogenic byproduct of some types of caramel color. Caramel color is a common ingredient in colas and other dark soft drinks. The results show that between 44 and 58 percent of people over the age of six typically have at least one can of soda per day, possibly more, potentially exposing them to 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a possible human carcinogen formed during the manufacture of some kinds of caramel color.

Stalking a wily foe: Scientists figure out how C. difficile bacteria wreak havoc in gut Posted: 18 Feb 2015 04:16 PM PST By staying up for two days straight, researchers have figured out for the first time exactly how Clostridium difficile wreaks havoc on the guts of animals in such a short time. The findings could help prevent or treat severe diarrhea and life-threatening disease in humans.

Help for people with muscle cramps? Posted: 18 Feb 2015 01:55 PM PST A new treatment may bring hope for people who suffer from muscle cramps or spasms from neuromuscular disorders, diseases such as multiple sclerosis or simply from nighttime leg cramps that keep people from sleeping, according to a new study.

Chicken pox virus may be linked to serious condition in the elderly Posted: 18 Feb 2015 01:55 PM PST A new study links the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles to a condition that inflames blood vessels on the temples and scalp in the elderly, called giant cell arteritis. The condition can cause sudden blindness or stroke and can be life-threatening.

New insight into a fragile protein linked to cancer and autism Posted: 18 Feb 2015 11:13 AM PST In recent years, scientists have found a surprising a connection between some people with autism and certain cancer patients: They have mutations in the same gene, one that codes for a protein critical for normal cellular health. Now scientists have reported that the defects reduce the activity and stability of the protein. Their findings could someday help lead to new treatments for both sets of patients.